Sculpting A Skunk In Clay

I then add a layer of clay to the armature. This will give the legs and spine a little more stability and allow me to place the sculpture in it’s final position.

Basic Shape Blocked In

Refined detail. All that is left is to smooth out the clay.

Finished Sculpture

There's very little information out there on clay sculptures for taxidermy manikins so I thought I would share with you the process that I use. I begin with reference material including pictures of the pose that I want along with a picture of the skeletal system of the animal.

I sculpt the head first. I use a very firm oil base clay because I make the mold directly from the sculpture. I cast the head in urethane foam and use the casting for the final sculpture
I make a wire armature using 1/8" aluminum wire for the legs and body.
I wrap the 1/8" wire with 1/16" wire to give it more stability and to keep the clay from sliding on the armature. I sculpt the feet using epoxy putty to keep the feet from flattening out.
Next I add a ball of urethane foam covered in aluminum foil to the body cavity which reduces the amount of clay that you have to use.